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Project Name

The Mural

Firm:

Awards Category

Academic Project

Project Summary

The Mural is a mixed-use building at Charleston and Arville that embodies both art and function, designed as a sponge-like mass that absorbs and reflects the spirit of its surrounding community. Taking inspiration from Charleston Boulevard’s vibrant character, the building becomes a living mural, interwoven with open, porous spaces that foster connection, cultural exchange, and adaptability. Through its dynamic form and flexible programming, The Mural nurtures a sense of belonging and becomes a canvas for community life.

Project Narrative

The Mural is a mixed-use development located at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and Arville Street in Las Vegas. As both an architectural and cultural landmark, this project supports and amplifies the vibrant, diverse character of the Charleston community. Inspired by the expressive and dynamic nature of Charleston Boulevard, the Mural acts as a “sponge,” absorbing the spirit of its neighborhood while fostering connectivity and cultural expression. It is designed not only for living, but also for belonging. The design maintains the existing site’s proposed 31,500 square feet of retail space, reimagined within a dense, transit-oriented mixed-use development. The site's proximity to Charleston’s high-traffic corridor, limited green space, and infrastructural constraints are aligned with the Las Vegas 2050 Masterplan demanding a healthier corridor for public transportation. The project anticipates the city’s mobility plans while embracing a public transit approach with bus and bike lanes forming pedestrian friendly circulation. Our design team took the opportunity to integrate pedestrian and cycling circulation by activating both Charleston and Arville to create visual permeability through its central plaza while drawing users in. The building’s form integrates a layering of public, semi-public, and private spaces. A commercial podium at the ground level offers services that cater to both residents and the general public. Adaptable and flexible programming was important as the central plaza can seamlessly transition between small community gatherings to large cultural events. The main community-focused retail spaces furthers commitment to holistic living. A grocery store offering Hispanic products affirms cultural relevance, in addition to an event space for parties and gatherings such as quinceañeras; celebrating the site's strong Hispanic demographic. A large food hall adjacent to the event space draws in people of all cultures to share and experience food that resonates with the diversity of Las Vegas. A workhub featuring communal office space and computer workstations ensures digital accessibility for residents to provide resources, addressing an overlooked need in underserved communities. The Mural’s residential tower responds to a range of community needs through its mixed-income housing units, supporting social diversity and economic inclusion. On the third floor, a concentrated amenity zone includes an outdoor pool and gathering areas, while additional meeting rooms are distributed across floors promoting interaction and flexible use. Two prominent skygardens are oriented toward local landmarks like the Las Vegas Strip and the Red Rock Mountains, grounding the project within its context. The facade acts as a literal and metaphorical mural, with expressive and dynamic voids that mirror the diversity and openness of the community. Historically, the area around Charleston has been a crossroads of culture and commerce. The Mural honors this legacy by creating a permeable, welcoming environment and serves as a vertical expression of exchanged stories and transformation across Charleston. The Mural is not just a building, it’s a framework for life, culture, and connection. It responds boldly to its context, honors its people, and stands as a dynamic canvas evolving with its community.

Sustainable Design & Materials

Sustainability is embedded in both the spatial organization and material strategy of the Mural. Benefiting from seasonal solar conditions, the building’s mass provides summer shade for gathering spaces in the central plaza in addition to native vegetation throughout public spaces enhancing thermal comfort and purifying air quality. The residential tower is situated on the northern edge of the lot to utilize the winter sun on south-facing outdoor amenity space. Residential balconies provide overhangs designed to maximize solar heat gain in winter and provide passive shading in summer. Energy efficiency is further supported by shared walls between units and the use of solar panels across large roof areas to reduce energy reliance. An adaptable parking structure is designed for future reuse, while bike storage promotes sustainable and healthy transportation. Material choices prioritize environmental performance and longevity. Fly ash concrete is used to reduce embodied carbon, and its thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures; absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night. Its durability also supports a longer building life cycle with reduced maintenance. To protect users and the building envelope, various locations of perforated mesh screens mitigates solar heat gain while allowing for natural ventilation, aiding passive cooling strategies.

Project Stats

Square Feet

153000

Green Building Designation(s)

Date of Completion

May 2025

Project Location

4241 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA

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